French researchers have released updated results from the International Research and Working Committee on Imaging Contrast Media (CIRTACI) study. The findings were published online on 28 July in EClinicalMedicine, a new journal from the Lancet group.
The group, led by Dr. Olivier Clément, PhD, professor of radiology at European Hospital Georges Pompidou in Paris, started work on the project in 2005 and collected data from 31 centers for five years.
It found that allergic responses to contrast accounted for less than 10% of cutaneous reactions, but more than 50% of life-threatening ones. Both gadolinium-based contrast media (GBCM) and iodinated contrast media (ICM) prompted comparable allergic reactions in frequency and severity, the group wrote.
"Contrary to current opinion, GBCM are not safer than ICM regarding [allergic] reactions, and patients should be managed identically," the researchers concluded. "Patients who have experienced life-threatening reactions and cardiovascular symptoms should be managed with the highest care, as they are most probably allergic to one or more contrast media."
